Nigeria Association Of The Blind(NAB), the umbrella organization of all persons with blindness in Nigeria has organized its first North Central Zone conference for the youth wing.
The Conference known as NAB North central Zone Youth Conference 2023 kicked off on Wednesday in Abuja.
The weeklong conference was put together to showcase the talents and potentials of young persons with blindness across the six states that make up the north central Zone.
The NAB North Central Zone Coordinator, Mr. Agada Jacob told TQM during the opening ceremony at FCT School for The Blind, Jabi Abuja on Wednesday that the essence of the conference is to bring together the youths in NAB across the zone in a weeklong activities on different things such as advocacy visits, sports, dancing, singing, among others aimed at showcasing their talents.
Mr. Agada who is also the Chairman, NAB FCT Chapter said that theme of the 2023 edition is “A Chance To Prove My Worth” which all about an opportunity to show the public that there is ability in disability.
“The idea behind the theme is to change the public perception that PWDs especially the blind amounts to nothing in the society and they are being marginalized and discriminated against but we are saying that we have what it takes to contribute our quota to the development of the country. All we need is the opportunity to give us a chance in order to prove our worth”.
The Chairman, The Conference Planning Committee, Ogada Joseph told TQM that the conference will feature a number of activities such as seminars, artistic display, football, hundred metre race and many others within the three days of the conference.
“It will provide opportunities for NAB youths in North Central Zone to bring out the best in them” he added.
The National President, NAB, Comrade Stanley Onyebuchi told TQM that the annual conference is first of its kind where NAB youths of zone are coming together to brainstorm in the areas of academics, skill acquisition and other things.
“It is action package three days events with major activities like learning different new skills”. he added.
He advised the youths to be more serious in the academics, skill acquisition programs, acquiring knowledge.
“Education and Skills will make them to be independent and not being a burden to the society” he noted.
He then called on the public to stop discrimination of persons with disabilities because they are still humans who only have little challenges that are surmountable.
“People should not take advantage of the little advantage of these challenges to discriminate against persons with disabilities” he added.
The Opening ceremony featured activities such as goodwill messages from dignitaries, some performance in singing, dancing from the participants.
We learnt that in the coming days, they will have guest facilitators to teach the some new vocational and life management skills.
